Isle of Man end2end

The course was a point to point race, which effectively starts at the northern point of the island, and traverses 3 mountains all the way to the southern tip of the island. The race is 75 kms long, and the winners are doing around 3 hours, and the last place getters are taking almost 8:30 hours.

The course is a varied mixture of sealed roads, forest roads, walking tracks, dedicated singletrack, paddocks and local by-ways. With views looking out to the blue ocean on the climbs, and the variety of terrain that is placed before you, it’s a challenging event to finish. The 3 major climbs are very steep, and the downhill sections are very rocky and loose. The best part of the course is the final 2 kms, which is straight up a very steep sealed road up towards the final mountain top that overlooks the southern part of the island. It’s a very tough way to finish an event.

The race was run in perfect conditions, with sunshine the entire day (rain settled in at night so the timing was perfect).

Breakfast of Champions..
Walking off to the start, it wasn't cold but with a ripping wind I needed a jacket. We camped at the northern most tip of the Island the night before, and the start was a short walk away. Still, but the time I got there, it seemed that the other 1350 riders were already lined up.

The start was amazing, with so many riders filling up a single lane road, if you had your position early there was no real way to push forward. I am not sure how, but I ended up on the 3rd row. Ready to go, and give everything in this race. In my heart, I believed I could win.

The start hits off for around 13km of sealed road, and then turns sharp left and points straight up a steep/long climb. I wanted to get to the climb first, and if I could, have some time up my sleeve to cruise to the top and still be with the leaders. It took some attacking, but around 7km into the race I was alone off the front. Legs were feeling great, and the motorbike camera crew were following me the whole way. The crowds in the small towns I went through all were cheering, and I was smiling. This was going to be a great day.

I got to the climb first, and around halfway up was joined by the leaders, I tagged along behind, and was pleased my plan was working. A small mishap happened around 5km later, when I got a front flat. I was quick to fix, and back on the bike in 30 seconds, and chased hard ot get back to the front group.

I would remain chasing all day, I had two more rear punctures, a broken chain and hit my front wheel hard enough on a downhill section to break a few spokes.

This just wasn't my day, everytime something would happen I would chase harder and harder to make up time or keep my position. In my heart, I knew this could have been a good race to win. It suited me well, and I was putting it all on the line in the climbs.

In the end I got 1st Overseas rider, 5th in my class and 10th overall. I was pleased that even with a few problems, I could keep it going. It came at a price, with all the chasing/stopping I only drank a single bidon during the race and 2 gels. I think I was running on stress. No matter, it was a great event.

A bit of a twist and it will be fine, was very sketchy on the fast downhill singletrack sections.

Finally the yellow shoes were used. These have been sitting new for a while, and I promised myself if I was going to wear bright yellow shoes, I had to be feeling strong/fast and believe I can win the event. Today was the day they were used, and I forgot how comfortable they are.

As you are reading this, I am travelling up in Scotland, still discovering there 7 stanes trail parks. Its raining so hard outside that I can't see, and the wind is so strong is pushing the motorhome nearly over. Crazy weather...